Why are backing plates important to use on your boat?
For any highly loaded items such as cleats, stanchions, sailing deck hardware or fishing outriggers/downriggers these items can transfer enormous loads into the deck and boat structure. Preventing unexpected failures is the goal.
- A proper backing plates prevents a cleat from being pulled out of a deck during a storm.
- Have you ever approached a dock too fast and used a dock line to a cleat to slow the motion?
- Have you ever hooked a massive fish placing huge loads on your outrigger?
The purpose of a backing plate is to distribute point loading into a larger area of the deck or hull. The distribution of loads prevents damage and unexpected failures.
The use of a G10 backing plate is ideal for fiberglass boats:
- G10 material can be easily bonded to the underside of the deck to ensure the best possible result.
- G10 does not rust or corrode.
- G10 is extremely strong due to the manufacturing process (cured under pressure with heat),
- G10 does not absorb water.
- G10-FR4 uses fire resistant epoxy making it a safe choice on a boat.
